Economic blockade of Nagaland enters fifth day

Golaghat, Aug 22: The indefinite economic blockade of Nagaland called by six organisations of Assam entered the fifth day on Wednesday with no signs of any thaw.

The blockade, which started on August 18, has been called against alleged encroachment of land by miscreants from Nagaland in Assam's Golaghat district.

Protesters from various outfits, which include Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and the All Tea Tribes Students' Union, among others, have extended their blockade to two more roads since yesterday, official sources said.

They have blocked the Naojan-Nagaland road in Sarupathar and also the Merapani road which goes to Nagaland's Wokha district.

They are also continuing to prevent movement of traffic at National Highway 39 in Rangajan in Golaghat district.

A round of talks held yesterday between the protesters and the district administration failed to bring break the ice.

The protesters are adamant in demanding return of around 250 bighas of land in Merapani area of Golaghat district which has allegedly been taken over by people from Nagaland.

Meanwhile, there are reports of burning of some houses in Merapani last night by unidentified miscreants. However, there has been no official confirmation of this so far.